James Clifton Ruffin

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 15, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension for James C. "Bill" Ruffin , 93, of Lafayette, Louisiana who passed away February 11, 2013. The Reverend Dr. H. Hunter Huckabay, Jr. will officiate the funeral services. Interment will take place in Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery Mr. Ruffin, a citizen of Lafayette, was born on July 31, 1919 in Mansfield , Louisiana to Clifton and Lois Juniel Ruffin. Mr. Ruffin rose to the rank of Major in the United States Air Force. He served with distinction during World War II and the Korean War. His service included campaigns in Germany, Okinawa, and South Korea. He retired from active military service soon after the Korean War. Mr. Ruffin began his career with Phillips Petroleum Co. in Bartlesville, OK, then transferred to Lafayette, LA. He then became an independent oil and gas operator. He was a member of the Lafayette Association of Petroleum Landmen, a member of American Association of Petroleum Landmen and a Lifelong member of the Lafayette Petroleum Club. He is survived by his daughter, Beverly Jane Ruffin of Alexandria, LA; his brother, Gary L. Ruffin and his wife, Marianne Austin Ruffin of Lafayette, LA; sister in law, Syble C. Ruffin of Mansfield, LA; his nieces, Anne Lindsey R. May, Melanie Elizabeth Ruffin, Natalie Lois Ruffin, Ginger R. Hall, Francine L. Ruffin and Marianne R. Mills and his nephews, Jim Ruffin and Albert S. Ruffin, Jr. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Mae Ruffin; his parents, Lois Juniel Ruffin and Clifton Thomas Ruffin and his brothers, Harold E. Ruffin,Francis B. Ruffin and Albert S. Ruffin, Sr. Pallbearers will include Sonny Hall, Brandon Ruffin, Jared Ruffin, Michael Pharr, Bill Calvert and Patrick Ottinger. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Marvin A. Munchrath, Pete J. Klentos, Lawrence E. Donohoe, William L. Craig, Brian Smelker and Irv L. Gallaspy. The family will receive friends at Delhomme Funeral Home on Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and continue Friday from 9:00 am until time of services. Memorials may be made to the The Veterans of Foreign Wars, 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111; St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105 or Episcopal Church of the Ascension 1030 Johnston St. Lafayette, LA 70501. The Ruffin family would like to thank the staff at Maison de Lafayette for the professional and personal care given to Mr. Ruffin. Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand, Lafayette, LA is in charge of funeral arrangements.

James Clifton Ruffin

July 31, 1919 - February 11, 2013